A delay in approving the draft Public Procurement Law (PPL) by the cabinet prompted the WB to defer tabling the matter in its board meeting on November 17, as was previously scheduled.

With the High Court clearing the way for Rupali Bank's privatisation and the government making written commitment to clear the procurement law, there is every chance for the DSC-3 to get approved by the WB board today.

The proposed procurement law was tabled at a cabinet meeting on November 2. But, in the face of strong opposition from some cabinet members, the cabinet did not okay the draft. Instead, it formed a subcommittee to scrutinise the clauses of the law and recommend modifications.

The subcommittee held a round of meetings on the draft law and then sent it to the law ministry for vetting.

The WB meantime took a staunch stance on the issue and told the government if any fundamental change is made in the law, it will not approve the DSC instalment.

A government source said in response, the government assured the WB that it is going to make no major changes in the law and will soon get it passed by parliament. The government also informed the bank that the cabinet has already approved the law in principle.